6/30/2008

The Toyota Verso SR has been a great standard-bearer for quality and value in the compact MPV segment, a car that is both well-equipped and keenly priced. Now Toyota has upgraded the SR to offer an even greater array of premium features, without compromising its wallet-friendly character.

If you've been diligently researching four-cylinder family sedans, then you likely know about the new 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which received such significant upgrades -- a more powerful engine and an all-new interior. Well, as Kia showed at last April's New York auto show, the Optima, which just happens to be the Sonata's corporate sibling, will receive similar enhancements for '09 as well. Which brings us to what you're already thinking -- yes, we tried to get the new 2009 Optima, but were told none was available until later in the year. Too bad, because the Kia probably would have impressed us more than it did.

While that represents big bang for your buck, it doesn't exactly equate to the best bang for your buck. For example, a beautifully equipped 2009 Sonata SE with an automatic, sunroof, and 17-in. wheels goes for just over $22,000.

Nevertheless, buying an Optima does not make you foolish -- far from it, in fact. Not only is it aggressively priced, but it's also well-built, loaded with content, and respectably capable at the test track, posting 0 to 60 in 8.8 sec, the quarter mile in 16.7 at 84.3 mph, 60 to 0 braking in 130 ft, and lateral acceleration of 0.79 g.

Overall, we'd rate this Kia mid-pack. As senior editor Edward Loh summarizes the Optima: "It's not a bad car by any stretch, but not a great one, either."

If you've been diligently researching four-cylinder family sedans, then you likely know about the new 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which received such significant upgrades -- a more powerful engine and an all-new interior. Well, as Kia showed at last April's New York auto show, the Optima, which just happens to be the Sonata's corporate sibling, will receive similar enhancements for '09 as well. Which brings us to what you're already thinking -- yes, we tried to get the new 2009 Optima, but were told none was available until later in the year. Too bad, because the Kia probably would have impressed us more than it did.

While that represents big bang for your buck, it doesn't exactly equate to the best bang for your buck. For example, a beautifully equipped 2009 Sonata SE with an automatic, sunroof, and 17-in. wheels goes for just over $22,000.

Nevertheless, buying an Optima does not make you foolish -- far from it, in fact. Not only is it aggressively priced, but it's also well-built, loaded with content, and respectably capable at the test track, posting 0 to 60 in 8.8 sec, the quarter mile in 16.7 at 84.3 mph, 60 to 0 braking in 130 ft, and lateral acceleration of 0.79 g.

Overall, we'd rate this Kia mid-pack. As senior editor Edward Loh summarizes the Optima: "It's not a bad car by any stretch, but not a great one, either."

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). FHI will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008. Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase, an exhibition and demonstration area in the International Media Center, and it will also be available for a test drive.

If you've been diligently researching four-cylinder family sedans, then you likely know about the new 2009 Hyundai Sonata, which received such significant upgrades -- a more powerful engine and an all-new interior. Well, as Kia showed at last April's New York auto show, the Optima, which just happens to be the Sonata's corporate sibling, will receive similar enhancements for '09 as well. Which brings us to what you're already thinking -- yes, we tried to get the new 2009 Optima, but were told none was available until later in the year. Too bad, because the Kia probably would have impressed us more than it did.

While that represents big bang for your buck, it doesn't exactly equate to the best bang for your buck. For example, a beautifully equipped 2009 Sonata SE with an automatic, sunroof, and 17-in. wheels goes for just over $22,000.

Nevertheless, buying an Optima does not make you foolish -- far from it, in fact. Not only is it aggressively priced, but it's also well-built, loaded with content, and respectably capable at the test track, posting 0 to 60 in 8.8 sec, the quarter mile in 16.7 at 84.3 mph, 60 to 0 braking in 130 ft, and lateral acceleration of 0.79 g.

Overall, we'd rate this Kia mid-pack. As senior editor Edward Loh summarizes the Optima: "It's not a bad car by any stretch, but not a great one, either."

6/29/2008

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). FHI will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008. Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase, an exhibition and demonstration area in the International Media Center, and it will also be available for a test drive.

(from Lamborghini Press Release) With the modified Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera Edo Competition Motorsport has now added a second high-profile Italian racer to its tuning program after the Murcielago LP 640. Like its bigger brother, this sports car with the bull in its logo excels through its highlighted racing genes and more aggressive appearance after being modified at edo competition.

The most remarkable feature is the sensational acceleration. Edo Competition achieves these figures thanks to the installation of a massive air box, high flow catalytic converters which are a completely new design and a recalibration of the engine electronics. All components together raise the power output to 560 hp (411 kW) at 8,250 rpm. The power increase of 30 hp / 22 kW boosts the top speed by about 6 km/h (4 mph) to 320 km/h (199 mph). Another highlight: The sound volume of the modified exhaust system can be adjusted via remote.

The sporty concept of the Edo Gallardo Superleggera is rounded off with 19“ three-piece racing wheels with an artificially-aged cast center-section, hand-polished outer rims and 39 stainless steel screws.

The front wheels are shod in stock-sized or (on request) 245/35 ZR 19 rubber while 305/30 ZR 19 Dunlop Sport Maxx tires are used on the rear axle. With this solution Edo competition enables its customers to reuse the factory tires on their new wheels.

Edo Competition treats the masculine stance of the Gallardo Superleggera to an additional testosterone injection by lowering the suspension by a good 15 mm and through the use of corner-weighting. With these upgrades, the Lambo sticks to the road so firmly and unflappably that it would take an earthquake to upset its poise.

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru automobiles, today announced the successful development of its Subaru Plug-in STELLA Concept model, a prototype electric vehicle (EV). FHI will provide five units of the Plug-in STELLA Concept for use at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit to be held July 7 through 9, 2008. Four of the five will be used to transport government officials and other participants at the summit, while one vehicle will be displayed at the Environmental Showcase, an exhibition and demonstration area in the International Media Center, and it will also be available for a test drive.

(from Hamann Press Release) A thoroughbred stallion with 630 horse powers: The HAMANN STALLION based on the Porsche 911 Turbo.

Like an Arabian stallion collecting its attention for a jump. Concentrated and full of dynamic body tension. This is how the silhouette of the super sports car called STALLION presents itself. But the latest development of the premium refiner HAMANN MOTORSPORT offers far more than a fascinating new aerodynamics concept. The efficiency boost to 630 hp and the HAMANN-sport chassis turn the STALLION into one of the most powerful and fastest sports car in the whole world.

The core of the Stallion is its modified engine. The Hamman motor technicians enhance the 3.6 litres Boxer Biturbo motor from standard 480 hp / 353 kW to 630 hp / 463 kW at 6,300 rpm. The upgrade also includes two larger VNT (variable nozzle turbochargers), a sport air strainer, a stainless steel exhaust system with metal catalytic converters and a new motor management.

These are measures which certainly hit their target. The Hamman Stallion accelerates to 100 km/h in only 3.3 seconds and is therefore six tenth of a second faster than its serial counterpart. The new maximum speed tag is sensational. With its efficiency boost and the reduced air resistance by Hamman -Aerodynamics, the Stallion achieves a maximum speed of 359 km/h.

Only the most precious materials can be found in the interior. Stallion The Hamman upholsterers only use selected leather for covering the fittings and sport seats. Aluminum gear shift and aluminum pedals make the cockpit gleam in a noble look and perfectly match with the carbon parts of the interior set. Precisely applied embroideries of the Hamman logo in the floor mats and headrests set further creative accents. All of these features complement one another in a stylish symbioses of motor sports flair and lifestyle.

6/28/2008

Some things you figure are universal. Like time, for example. But for a tuning house that regularly takes the fastest cars around and tinkers with them just for kicks, time – say, production dates and acceleration numbers – might not hold the same meaning as it does for the rest of us mere mortals.

Never minding that Lamborghini has ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera to make way for the new LP560-4, German uber-tuners EDO competition has come out with a package for the stripped-out Raging Bull. With a simple twist of the ECU, a new catalytic converter and a carbon fiber air box, power is pumped up to 560 horses and torque to 398 lb-ft, dropping the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time down to 3.7 seconds and the top speed nudging 320 km/h (199 mph). EDO's also installed a variable-noise exhaust and dropped the right height by 15 mm and can outfit any of the 172 Superleggeras produced with custom-painted 19" three-piece modular rims.

With the reign of the Japanese sports car well and truly on track to make a return, new rivalries are appearing such as the new Honda NSX is to the Nissan GT-R.

The most recent and unique addition to this bitter rivalry is Nissan’s new FF Hybrid sports car - with the Honda CR-Z squarely in its sights.

An entry-level coupe to slot into the Nissan range just below the FR, the 2+2 front-wheel drive FF coupe will feature a hybrid drivetrain, aiming to be both fuel efficient and a spirited drive.

It will be based on the existing Nissan ‘B’ platform as used on the Tiida, and follow on from new styling trademarks established on both the new Maxima and upcoming 370Z.

Lightweight aluminium panels are likely to be used extensively to keep weight below 1100kg, and its possible a flat bottom panel similar to that on the GT-R could be employed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

It’s expected the FF coupe will be powered by a revised hybrid version of the HR15DE 1.5-litre four cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox.

It was on June 26, 1938 that Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche KG, as the enterprise was then called, moved from Kronenstrasse 24 in the center of Stuttgart to newly-built premises in the district of Zuffenhausen. In May 1937, Ferry Porsche had already acquired a site there at the address Spitalwaldstrasse 2 (as it then was), thus determining the location of the later Porsche factory. 70 years on, the building newly completed in 1938 still forms a central part of the factory complex in Zuffenhausen.

6/27/2008

Some things you figure are universal. Like time, for example. But for a tuning house that regularly takes the fastest cars around and tinkers with them just for kicks, time – say, production dates and acceleration numbers – might not hold the same meaning as it does for the rest of us mere mortals.

Never minding that Lamborghini has ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera to make way for the new LP560-4, German uber-tuners EDO competition has come out with a package for the stripped-out Raging Bull. With a simple twist of the ECU, a new catalytic converter and a carbon fiber air box, power is pumped up to 560 horses and torque to 398 lb-ft, dropping the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time down to 3.7 seconds and the top speed nudging 320 km/h (199 mph). EDO's also installed a variable-noise exhaust and dropped the right height by 15 mm and can outfit any of the 172 Superleggeras produced with custom-painted 19" three-piece modular rims.

With the reign of the Japanese sports car well and truly on track to make a return, new rivalries are appearing such as the new Honda NSX is to the Nissan GT-R.

The most recent and unique addition to this bitter rivalry is Nissan’s new FF Hybrid sports car - with the Honda CR-Z squarely in its sights.

An entry-level coupe to slot into the Nissan range just below the FR, the 2+2 front-wheel drive FF coupe will feature a hybrid drivetrain, aiming to be both fuel efficient and a spirited drive.

It will be based on the existing Nissan ‘B’ platform as used on the Tiida, and follow on from new styling trademarks established on both the new Maxima and upcoming 370Z.

Lightweight aluminium panels are likely to be used extensively to keep weight below 1100kg, and its possible a flat bottom panel similar to that on the GT-R could be employed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

It’s expected the FF coupe will be powered by a revised hybrid version of the HR15DE 1.5-litre four cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox.

Some things you figure are universal. Like time, for example. But for a tuning house that regularly takes the fastest cars around and tinkers with them just for kicks, time – say, production dates and acceleration numbers – might not hold the same meaning as it does for the rest of us mere mortals.

Never minding that Lamborghini has ceased production of the Gallardo Superleggera to make way for the new LP560-4, German uber-tuners EDO competition has come out with a package for the stripped-out Raging Bull. With a simple twist of the ECU, a new catalytic converter and a carbon fiber air box, power is pumped up to 560 horses and torque to 398 lb-ft, dropping the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time down to 3.7 seconds and the top speed nudging 320 km/h (199 mph). EDO's also installed a variable-noise exhaust and dropped the right height by 15 mm and can outfit any of the 172 Superleggeras produced with custom-painted 19" three-piece modular rims.

With the reign of the Japanese sports car well and truly on track to make a return, new rivalries are appearing such as the new Honda NSX is to the Nissan GT-R.

The most recent and unique addition to this bitter rivalry is Nissan’s new FF Hybrid sports car - with the Honda CR-Z squarely in its sights.

An entry-level coupe to slot into the Nissan range just below the FR, the 2+2 front-wheel drive FF coupe will feature a hybrid drivetrain, aiming to be both fuel efficient and a spirited drive.

It will be based on the existing Nissan ‘B’ platform as used on the Tiida, and follow on from new styling trademarks established on both the new Maxima and upcoming 370Z.

Lightweight aluminium panels are likely to be used extensively to keep weight below 1100kg, and its possible a flat bottom panel similar to that on the GT-R could be employed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

It’s expected the FF coupe will be powered by a revised hybrid version of the HR15DE 1.5-litre four cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox.

6/26/2008

During at the New York Auto Show this past March, Mercedes announced that it would begin selling three clean diesel SUVs with BlueTEC - the R 320 BlueTEC, the ML 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC - in America. The SUVs won't be available until the fall, but Daimler released a slew of new photos of the large diesels today and a detailed release reminding us about these U.S. Bin 5 standard compliant vehicles. In case you were curious, the photos show that these SUVs can pull horses, cross long brldges, and park in front of large houses. We'll see if these decent-but-not-great mileage SUVs (the GL 320 BlueTEC gets 25mpg) can convince customers to pull the trigger with diesel fuel running around $5 a gallon. Read more after the jump.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E 320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world's first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future - and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output,

the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USA in times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the highways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E 320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissions

The muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL 320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.

With the reign of the Japanese sports car well and truly on track to make a return, new rivalries are appearing such as the new Honda NSX is to the Nissan GT-R.

The most recent and unique addition to this bitter rivalry is Nissan’s new FF Hybrid sports car - with the Honda CR-Z squarely in its sights.

An entry-level coupe to slot into the Nissan range just below the FR, the 2+2 front-wheel drive FF coupe will feature a hybrid drivetrain, aiming to be both fuel efficient and a spirited drive.

It will be based on the existing Nissan ‘B’ platform as used on the Tiida, and follow on from new styling trademarks established on both the new Maxima and upcoming 370Z.

Lightweight aluminium panels are likely to be used extensively to keep weight below 1100kg, and its possible a flat bottom panel similar to that on the GT-R could be employed to improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.

It’s expected the FF coupe will be powered by a revised hybrid version of the HR15DE 1.5-litre four cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox.

Like all automobile manufacturers, Porsche 911 will soon have to deal with the new, and more severe, anti-pollution norms. Many solutions have been thrown up for the moment, not all of which are very orthodox, but one of which could be the adoption of the start&stop system on the noble six cylinder 911. This could see CO2 emissions decrese by about 10 g/km.

Apparently the brand’s customers are not all that enthusiastic about taking a drive with a Carrera that turns itself off at every red light. So how do you fix the problem? By discovering new ways. The 911 is unlikely ever to be the champion of ecology (according to Thomas Wasserback it will be difficult to get it under 200 g/km), but with a series of different solutions the company should be able to shave off a few more grams without touching performance.

During at the New York Auto Show this past March, Mercedes announced that it would begin selling three clean diesel SUVs with BlueTEC - the R 320 BlueTEC, the ML 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC - in America. The SUVs won't be available until the fall, but Daimler released a slew of new photos of the large diesels today and a detailed release reminding us about these U.S. Bin 5 standard compliant vehicles. In case you were curious, the photos show that these SUVs can pull horses, cross long brldges, and park in front of large houses. We'll see if these decent-but-not-great mileage SUVs (the GL 320 BlueTEC gets 25mpg) can convince customers to pull the trigger with diesel fuel running around $5 a gallon. Read more after the jump.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E 320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world's first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future - and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output,the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USA in times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the highways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E 320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissionsThe muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL 320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.

6/25/2008

How many people can you fit into a diminutive smart fortwo? The amazing answer is 13 following a car cram staged to help celebrate smart’s 10th anniversary. Owners and visitors to the annual smart Destination Brooklands event held at Mercedes-Benz World, the UK’s leading automotive brand experience centre at Weybridge, were invited to take up the smart-packing challenge.

6/24/2008

During at the New York Auto Show this past March, Mercedes announced that it would begin selling three clean diesel SUVs with BlueTEC - the R 320 BlueTEC, the ML 320 BlueTEC and the GL 320 BlueTEC - in America. The SUVs won't be available until the fall, but Daimler released a slew of new photos of the large diesels today and a detailed release reminding us about these U.S. Bin 5 standard compliant vehicles. In case you were curious, the photos show that these SUVs can pull horses, cross long brldges, and park in front of large houses. We'll see if these decent-but-not-great mileage SUVs (the GL 320 BlueTEC gets 25mpg) can convince customers to pull the trigger with diesel fuel running around $5 a gallon. Read more after the jump.

In October 2006, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to commence a BlueTEC initiative in the passenger car segment which was timed to coincide with the introduction of low-sulphur fuel in the United States of America. The E 320 BlueTEC proved a great success from the outset, and was voted "World Green Car of the Year 2007". As a next step, Mercedes-Benz is now due to offer the R, ML and GL 320 BlueTEC in the USA, the world's first three diesel cars which not only meet the particularly demanding criteria of the American Bin 5 standard, but also have the potential to fulfil the stringent EU6 standard due in the future - and which therefore considerably better all the current, worldwide exhaust emission standards for diesel passenger cars.

With attributes such as excellent pulling power, economy and a high output,the diesel engine has also proved an attractive alternative to the spark-ignition engine in the USA in times of increasing fuel prices and growing sensitivity to the issue of CO2 emissions. In the land of large minivans, pickups and SUVs, and the given driving conditions characterised by steady cruising speeds on the highways and enormous overland distances, the diesel is able to show its advantages particularly well. At the same time, American legislation sets very strict emission standards for diesel-powered vehicles. This is why Mercedes-Benz introduced the E 320 BlueTEC with its in-house BlueTEC technology in America first, and is now including a variant of this BlueTEC technology with AdBlue injection in its cross-Atlantic range. This innovative drive technology enables these large and powerful SUVs to meet the limits imposed by the US Bin 5 standard.

Impressive power, great fuel economy and extremely low emissionsThe muscular V6 diesel engine powering the new BlueTEC models in the GL, M and R-Class shows that a low fuel consumption and very low emissions are also possible for large SUVs. It has an output of 155 kW/211 hp and develops a torque of 540 Nm. Fuel economy is outstanding: the GL 320 BlueTEC, for example, consumes just 9.5 litres of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres (25 mpg). This represents an advantage of around 20 to 40 percent versus a comparable petrol model, and easily makes the Mercedes-Benz GL 320 BlueTEC the most economical full-size SUV in the USA.